Ricci tensor for Schwarzschild metric

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the Ricci tensor for the Schwarzschild metric, specifically addressing the confusion surrounding the Ricci flow equation and the nature of the Schwarzschild solution. Participants clarify that the Schwarzschild metric is a vacuum solution, meaning both the Einstein tensor and Ricci tensor are zero outside a spherically symmetric mass distribution. The distinction between the exterior and interior Schwarzschild solutions is emphasized, with the interior solution not being a vacuum solution. The conversation also touches on the implications of energy momentum tensors in these contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ricci tensor and Ricci flow equations
  • Familiarity with the Schwarzschild metric and its implications in general relativity
  • Knowledge of Einstein field equations and vacuum solutions
  • Basic concepts of energy momentum tensors in general relativity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Ricci tensor for various metrics, including the Schwarzschild metric
  • Explore the differences between exterior and interior Schwarzschild solutions in detail
  • Learn about the implications of vacuum solutions in general relativity
  • Investigate constant density zero-pressure fluid solutions and their relation to the concept of "dust" in cosmology
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Students of general relativity, physicists interested in gravitational theories, and researchers exploring vacuum solutions and their applications in cosmology.

AleksanderPhy
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Hello I am little bit confused about calculating Ricci tensor for schwarzschild metric:
So we have Ricci flow equation,∂tgμν=-2Rμν.
And we have metric tensor for schwarzschild metric:
Diag((1-rs/r),(1-rs]/r)-1,(r2),(sin2Θ) and ∂tgμν=0 so 0=-2Rμν and we get that Rμν=0.But Rμν should not equal to zero for schwarzschild metric. I may have some mistakes on symbols beacuse I use them first time.
 
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The Ricci flow is not the same as the Einstein field equations. The Schwarzschild metric does not undergo Ricci flow.
 
AleksanderPhy said:
Rμν should not equal to zero for schwarzschild metric.

Yes, it should. The Schwarzschild metric is a vacuum metric, so its Einstein tensor is zero; and it's simple to show that if the Einstein tensor is zero, the Ricci tensor must also be zero.
 
PeterDonis said:
Yes, it should. The Schwarzschild metric is a vacuum metric, so its Einstein tensor is zero; and it's simple to show that if the Einstein tensor is zero, the Ricci tensor must also be zero.
The Schwarzschild solution is a vacuum solution?

I'm kind of surprised I haven't come across this yet. What does "m" represent in the metric, then?
 
MattRob said:
The Schwarzschild solution is a vacuum solution?

I'm kind of surprised I haven't come across this yet. What does "m" represent in the metric, then?
If you compute the energy momentum tensor anywhere, you will get zero. So yes, it is a vacuum solution. The mass m is a parameter of a set of possible vacuum solutions.

Note that this is the exterior Schwarzschild solution - a solution outside a spherically symmetric object where there is no matter so you should not be surprised to find that it is a vacuum solition. The interior Schwarzschild solution is not a vacuum solution.
 
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Orodruin said:
If you compute the energy momentum tensor anywhere, you will get zero. So yes, it is a vacuum solution. The mass m is a parameter of a set of possible vacuum solutions.

Note that this is the exterior Schwarzschild solution - a solution outside a spherically symmetric object where there is no matter so you should not be surprised to find that it is a vacuum solition. The interior Schwarzschild solution is not a vacuum solution.

First time I've heard "exterior" and "interior" Schwarzschild solution. Is this simply referring to regions where r > 2M or r < 2M (in geometric units)?
 
MattRob said:
First time I've heard "exterior" and "interior" Schwarzschild solution. Is this simply referring to regions where r > 2M or r < 2M (in geometric units)?
No. The interior Schwarzschild solution is a solution inside a spherical mass distribution with zero pressure at the surface. It does not describe a black hole.

Edit: see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interior_Schwarzschild_metric

Even in Newtonian gravity, the 1/r potential is a vacuum solution. It only describes the potential outside a spherically symmetric distribution.
 
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Orodruin said:
No. The interior Schwarzschild solution is a solution inside a spherical mass distribution with zero pressure at the surface. It does not describe a black hole.

Edit: see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interior_Schwarzschild_metric

Even in Newtonian gravity, the 1/r potential is a vacuum solution. It only describes the potential outside a spherically symmetric distribution.
So I decided to look this up. It all fell into place pretty quickly. Saw your edit now - heh, we both immediately turned to the same place.

But yeah, the difference in-between assuming you're outside a spherically symmetric mass or within a sphere of it - I think I get it, now.

This will be something great to look into, though - I'm only an undergrad, now, but I'm working with some faculty at my university and some of the first things I'm interested in really digging into have to do with constant density zero-pressure fluid solutions. Isn't this just a way of describing a uniform energy density in a region of space, though? I thought that's what "dust" was used to describe; a uniform energy density distribution in a region of space (in a static solution)?
 

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